Understand the difference between bleaching and dyeing hair

Before understanding the differences between color-depositing, color-protecting, and toning products, it’s essential to know the distinction between dyeing and bleaching hair to choose the right product. Hair dyeing involves two main steps: 1. opening the cuticle layer, and 2. depositing color pigments.

For high-luminance colors, bleaching is necessary to allow pigments to penetrate. Professional stylist Miyake explains, “The bleaching process uses a bleaching agent to open the cuticle layer and hydrogen peroxide to break down dark pigments, lightening the hair to better absorb dye.”

What happens when you use regular shampoo after coloring?

The main reason for hair color fading after dyeing is that the cuticle layer opens during washing, allowing pigments to escape. If the hair is already damaged, the cuticles may not fully close after opening, increasing pigment loss and reducing the longevity of the color, even with subsequent dyeing.

Shampoos with an alkaline pH can cause the cuticle to open more to achieve a thorough clean. However, using such shampoos after dyeing can accelerate fading, especially if the hair is damaged from bleaching.

How to use color-depositing shampoo?

1. Start by gently cleaning the hair.
2. Apply the color-depositing shampoo evenly over the strands.
3. Leave it on for 3–5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

When should you use a color-depositing shampoo?

Color-depositing shampoos are designed to "replenish pigment." They contain artificial color, so using them after dyeing can enhance color saturation by replacing lost pigments. To prevent fading, it’s recommended to use a color-depositing shampoo after dyeing, about 2–3 times a week, alternating with a color-protecting shampoo. The duration of the effect depends on individual washing frequency. This shampoo is ideal for consumers with brighter bleached hair shades, as the results will be more noticeable on lighter, faded colors.

Testing—what happens when you use color-depositing shampoo as a regular shampoo?

There are various ways to use color-depositing shampoo—on dry or wet hair, or simply by washing like a regular shampoo. Each method gives a slightly different color effect. With MCG color-depositing shampoo, there’s no need to worry about pigment staining your hands, so you can use it without gloves!

How to use toning shampoo?

1. Start by gently cleaning the hair.
2. Apply the color-depositing shampoo evenly over the strands.
3. Leave it on for 3–5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

When should you use a toning shampoo?
Many people confuse toning shampoo with color-depositing shampoo. Toning shampoo primarily neutralizes yellow and orange pigments. It usually contains purple pigment, which counteracts yellow tones, leaving hair with a subtle, misty look. MCG’s “White Out” toning shampoo can be mixed with other colors to achieve a softer, less saturated effect. This is ideal for those who want to reduce the brightness of overly vivid hair colors.

When should you use color-protecting shampoo?

The concept of color-protecting shampoo is more about "slowing down" color loss, rather than replenishing pigments. After dyeing, whether or not hair has been bleached, color can fade due to washing, sun exposure, and oxidation. Color-protecting shampoos contain antioxidant vitamin E to prevent surface oxidation and are slightly acidic to avoid over-expanding cuticles, reducing color loss. For standard dyed shades like brown, color-protecting shampoo alone is sufficient. However, for bleached hair with vibrant colors, alternate between color-protecting and color-depositing shampoos to prevent fading.